Paper plant accused of being negligent employer by OSHA

Employees should feel safe while at work. Those who perform industrial work in North Carolina often do so in dangerous circumstances, simply because of their work conditions. However, a negligent employer can unnecessarily increase that risk. This is what authorities are saying after the recent inspection of an out-of-state paper plant revealed several safety hazards.

The company in question has received a citation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The paper products manufacturer is accused of failing to address multiple workplace safety hazards. Officials say that these dangers could injure employees in multiple ways. The company has accumulated over $300,000 in penalties. One of those penalties is the maximum amount the law will allow.

A recent inspection revealed several different types of potential hazards, according to OSHA. The company is facing citations for electrical hazards, accumulation of combustible dust, slip, trip and fall dangers, and more. The area office director for OSHA says that employers are supposed to provide a safe workplace for employees and ensure that potential hazards are handled. The director also said that this company failed to address several dangers that could have injured or even killed employees. The company can contest the results, ask for a conference with OSHA representatives or adhere to OSHA’s recommendations, as long as it does so within 15 business days.

Workplaces in North Carolina and across the nation have an obligation to protect workers across all industries. Industrial workers can be at great risk due to the nature of their work. A negligent employer should be held responsible for any accidents that happen due to an unsafe work environment. Employers who have been injured on the job or their loved ones have a right to file for workers’ compensation benefits that can help offset any costs associated with an injury or fatality.